Exercise Physiology (EP) is a university qualified allied health professional who utilise their expertise in anatomy, physiology and exercise to tailor appropriate training regimes for individuals suffering from chronic conditions.

I have always had a passion for sports, constantly playing or being involved. After a severe injury sustained when I was younger, I was unable to continue playing competitively. However, I still wished to remain amongst the industry in some capacity.

I volunteered my time to sports teams, which led me to my profession as an Exercise Physiologist. My personal drive is to reassure others that the unfortunate injury that I sustained does not happen to patients by ensuring that thorough assessments, training and education takes place.

Exercise Physiologists work with patients alongside a community of allied health professionals including GPs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists (OT) and speech pathologists.

I joined the team as a mentor and workshop presenter at PT National. My role is to represent the allied health community, enabling students the ability to learn the skills to effectively communicate with exercise professionals like myself by studying the standards and codes of practice within industry to service clients, while maintaining a high standard and currency with its course content.

Outside the common place of rehabilitation from injury, there currently exists a gap in the health services industry for Exercise Physiologists, particularly in the areas of pre and post-surgical intervention and chronic conditions including cardiopulmonary disorders, cancer, and diabetes.

Ultimately, the role of an EP is to improve the health and wellbeing of patients. This can be achieved in alignment with EPs and GPs to help manage chronic conditions or for gross motor development and maintenance. I also have the opportunity to work with physiotherapists and chiropractors for injury management so that patients can return to work or competitive sport with confidence.